New York State is launching a first-of-its-kind agricultural workforce development program to attract and retain future generations of skilled workers. The program will identify clear pathways for jobseekers and connect them to high-quality employment opportunities in agriculture.
The program will identify internships and apprenticeships across the industry and work with educational institutions to ensure that the necessary skills and standards are being taught to students. It will also focus on working with workforce development entities to match and place the new workforce, including migrant individuals and asylum seekers, directly with industry opportunities.
The program is funded through this year's New York State Budget and builds on Governor Kathy Hochul's goals of strengthening New York's food supply chain through the attraction and retention of a skilled agricultural workforce. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from stakeholders to help shape the program. The Department is also looking to identify potential qualified applicants.
Information gathered from the RFI will be used to inform a potential Request for Proposal (RFP) for the program.
The RFI and additional information can be found on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/request-information-new-york-state-department-agriculture-and-markets-agriculture-workforce.
Responders to the RFI may answer in one, or more, of the following areas: • 1. Experience, 2. Qualifications, 3. Proposed project scope and services, 4. Other Considerations.
Statements of interest will be accepted via email to Antonia Giuliano, Senior Policy Advisor for Food and Dairy, at antonia.giuliano@agriculture.ny.gov.
Responses are due by November 1, 2023, and questions about the RFI must be submitted by email by October 4, 2023.
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Categories: New York, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle